On the recordApril 19, 2023
firefighters are on the front lines of safeguarding our communities, often providing emergency care and interacting with high-risk populations. Firefighters themselves may also be at risk of COVID-19 infections. Vaccines are the safest and most effective way to make sure an individual doesn't get severely ill or spread COVID-19 to others. This amendment would interfere with State and local governments' ability to determine health policies for their own employees and how to best keep their communities safe. This amendment would also require FEMA to evaluate local and State government vaccination policies-- something well beyond the scope and responsibility to determine eligibility for grants. I would urge my colleagues to oppose the amendment to ensure that local communities can continue counting on these resources that these programs provide.
